Day 168: A Sketch of Lake Anne (on Site)

I was planning to meet up with the Urban Sketcher DC group today at Artomatic in Arlington near Crystal City. Well...after I waited for a while I couldn't find them in the lobby so I decided to go see the art event instead. A little bit disappointed because I would like to know people who share the same interest.

So not to abandon my sketch-on-site will I went to Lake Anne early this evening and drew this there. It's challenging. But I think I start to like it. It's  such a great way to practice sketching and strengthen my confidence in drawing. I can't hide in a studio all the time, can I ?

Let's come back to Artomatic a bit, shall we ? :)

Artomatic exhibited the art from over a thousand artists in a vacant eleven-story office building. Since the office interior design is the core work of my firm I found this a very intriguing use of empty space. The whole building (except 5th and 6th floor that were closed) became an artists' playground. Many walls and carpets were artistically repainted, splashed with colors or even clay. Graffiti, art, pamphlet, announcement were everywhere. I hardly found a blank wall. The existing offices turned into small showrooms. The existing conference rooms became a workshop. The open offices became an open art space or accommodated performance stages with benches or couches.

And this building has gorgeous view of the Potomac River, Regan Airport. So it might be occupied soon.

If you are in DC area and haven't gone there, you have until June 23 to check it out. (I love peep projects! it's my first time seeing the actual work of the peeps.)

Day 88: My First Pair of Flippers

I've been wanting to draw my first pair of flippers since I received them. Now I can't wait to try! :)

Last weekend my classmate in her 50-60s who swam so well in class told me that she had never known how to swim until 3 years ago. One day she had decided to learn properly. Isn't that such a great inspiration ? I learnt how to swim when I was 6 or 7 years old. skipping it for decades as I had never enjoyed it. Now I start lap swimming. Maybe I will be better in a couple years too!

Day 87: Barcelona Pavilion

Today is Mies van der Rohe's 126th Birthday. He died in 1969. Looking at his work particularly this one reminds me why I love architecture. Why I am willing to spend more than 8 hours a day drawing and designing. Why I can stand the constant changes requested by whoever. Why I keep fine tuning the details until I get them right (even though most of the time I have to stop because I hit the deadline.) Why I have 15 sheets of construction drawings for a 3,500 sq.ft. project (and that's architectural only). Why I like talking to the subcontractors who put things together happen rather than being in the meeting with dozens of people talking about something else than the design. (If you must know, I have never really enjoyed the business and management side of this job.)

Look at the plan and then elevations of this pavilion. It's simply amazing. Less is really more.

Day 9: Julie & Julia

There will always be times that we feel lost. Setting a small goal to accomplish everyday will help us some ways even it is just a small not-so-important thing.

I watched Julie & Julia a couple years ago with my friends on New Year Eve just to kill time before the ball drop at Time Square. Such an inspiring story. They didn't know what they wanted to do in the beginning. Just like us. But they were going through a period of trial and error and finally found what they were obsessed with. Then just plowed through it. Tried to make something happen. Fearlessly.

It reminds me of what Steve Jobs said. You will never know where each dot will lead you to until you are there.

woo hoo. And I made it! Just 25 minutes before midnight. (I am watching Julie & Julia at the moment...and drawing as well.)

Have a good night.

Day 8: "The Big Waste"

Today I am looking forward to see a special show called "The Big Waste" on Food Network. Four chef will investigate how much produce has been tossed away while there still are millions people hungry or having not-so-heathy food or when the food budget for school kids is about $1 per person (according to Chopped - School Chef episode.

I think it is so important to be aware of the present issues before moving (fast) forward.

It seems like I create a theme "inspiration on paper" for my 365 here. Well, we'll see guys.

Day 7: "My Adventure Book" from UP

I watched UP for the first time today. Such an inspiring, touching and bittersweet story. Isn't it amazing that the creators can pick something in everyday life, add their imagination and put their effort and present it to the world ?

I love that My Adventure Book. Losing a house shared you've been forever is sad but keeping the friendship and continuing your life is important.

Oh, and let me tell you. Not every dog knows how to catch a tennis ball!